Protector for vehicles

ABSTRACT

A protector has been invented for positioning in a space between two vehicles, one positioned behind the other the protector including a protective member configured to fit into and substantially fill the space between the two vehicles, and movement apparatus connected to the protective member for accommodating relative movement between the two vehicles. In one aspect the protector is formed of flexible material such as screening, mesh, metal foil, cloth, canvas, fencing, fiberglass, nylon and plastic. In another aspect the protector has a sub-member formed of or secured to the protective member and positioned to protect the protective member from effects of a vehicle exhaust adjacent the protective member when the protector is emplaced between two vehicles.

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/631,310 filedApr. 10, 1996 entitled "Vehicle Protector" issued as U.S. Pat. No.5,829,775 on Nov. 3, 1998 which is co-owned with the present inventionand is incorporated fully herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a protective member disposed between twovehicles to protect them from items, gravel, or debris in a street orroadway that are thrown up between the vehicles; and, in one particularaspect, to such a protector which is movably disposed between a primemover and a trailer or an automobile towed behind the prime mover.

2. Description of Related Art

Applicants are aware of protective grills and coverings for the frontend of an automobile or truck and of a solid plastic guard mountable ona tow bar between two vehicles. Applicants are also aware of mud flaps,mud guards for vehicles and of a multi-bristle guard which is placedalong the entire width at the rear of a prime mover to prevent graveland debris from being thrown up by the prime mover against the front ofa vehicle behind or being towed behind a prime mover.

Nothing presently known to applicants effectively prevents junk, gravel,debris and other items from being thrown up in the space between twovehicles and damaging one vehicle or the other. One particular problemthat has existed for a long time and which has not been solved is theproblem of gravel kicked up by the rear tires of a truck or prime moveragainst the whole front end of a vehicle or automobile being towed bythe truck or prime mover. Such gravel can also strike the rear end ofthe truck or prime mover or a towed automobile's hood or windshield.Similar problems have long existed when towing a trailer.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention, in certain embodiments, discloses a protector forpositioning between two vehicles, including, but not limited to, betweena front prime mover (such as an automobile, motorhome, or truck) and arear vehicle, including but not limited to an automobile, truck, ortrailer, towed by the front prime mover. In one aspect the protectorincludes a protective member made from any suitable material, fabric,canvas, foil, mesh, screening cloth, nylon, or plastic, or combinationof these materials, or a plurality of such members that areinterconnected.

To accommodate the varying positions that one vehicle may assume withrespect to the other, e.g. during turning, in one aspect the protectivemember is fixed only to a first vehicle and another second vehicle isfree from, and therefore free to move with respect to, the firstvehicle. In another aspect, at least one end of the protective member isconnected to a vehicle by a yielding member or members, e.g. one or moresprings or elastic connectors or bands. In another aspect the protectoritself has pieces or members which expand and contract to accommodatemovement; e.g. excess cloth, pleated screening, interior springs betweenmultiple flat pieces, or fabric which has sufficient elongation andspring-back. In another aspect a protective member has one or more ropesor cables running on one or more pulleys connected to at least one ofthe vehicles; and, in one particular embodiment two pulleys are usedspaced apart from each other on one vehicle. In another aspect anycombination of the above-described structures is used.

In certain embodiments the protective member is one integral piece ofmaterial. In other aspects the protective member is one primary piece ofmaterial with one or more secondary areas made from a differentmaterial; e.g. a large primary member made of tough plastic with asmaller secondary member made of either Kevlar™ material or metal sheetfor positioning adjacent a prime mover's exhaust. Metal mesh, screening,flexible foil, perforated plate, or fencing of a sufficiently tight meshpattern may be used for all or part of the protective member as may anyknown plastic, canvas, fiberglass material or fireproof cloth.

With either a solid or non-solid protective member, holes may be cut toaccommodate any mechanical device or protruding member present betweenthe two vehicles; e.g., but not limited to, part of an integral jack ortow bar projecting upwardly. Also, one or more slits or slots may beused to prevent moisture ponding and to promote drainage. Suitable meshmaterial, e.g. screen or fencing, may be secured over any such slot orslit. Also a movable flap secured at one side may be used to cover anyslit or slot. The protective member, rather than being substantiallyflat may have one or more raised portions to accommodate other devices.

In certain preferred embodiments a protective member according to thisinvention includes a second vehicle protector which is secured to orformed integrally of the protector between the two vehicles. The secondvehicle protector is sized, configured, and positioned to cover part orall of the second vehicle's front portion and can extend over thewindshield. Also, or alternatively, an end protector for the firstvehicle may be secured to or formed integrally of the protective memberfor the space between the vehicles and this end protector may cover some(e.g. only a lower portion, e.g. one to four feet) or all of the rearend of the first vehicle. In one aspect both the second vehicleprotector and end protector for the first vehicle are used.

The present invention, in certain embodiments, discloses a protector forpositioning in a space between two vehicles, the two vehicles includinga first vehicle in front of a second vehicle, the protector having aprotective member configured to fit into the space between the twovehicles, and movement apparatus connected to the protective member foraccommodating relative movement between the two vehicles; such aprotector wherein the protective member is formed of material selectedfrom the group consisting of screening, nylon, mesh, metal foil, cloth,fencing, fiberglass, and plastic; such a protector wherein the materialis flexible; such a protector wherein the protective member has aplurality of pieces of the material, the pieces interconnected together;such a protector wherein the pieces are interconnected by elasticmembers or springs; such a protector wherein the protective member hasat least one hole therethrough to accommodate another item like a partof a jack or tow bar and to inhibit sailing of the protective member;such a protector wherein the protective member has at least one holetherethrough through which another member may protrude when theprotector is emplaced between the two vehicles; such a protector with asub-member formed of or secured to the protective member and positionedto protect the protective member from effects of a vehicle exhaustadjacent the protective member when the protector is emplaced betweentwo vehicles; such a protector wherein the movement apparatus includesthe protective member having a periphery and four sides and fourcorners, a cable movably disposed through a channel formed around atleast a portion of a periphery of the protective member, the cablehaving exposed portions at at least two corners of the protectivemember, and at least one pulley connected to one of the vehicles, thecable movable on the pulley; such a protector wherein the movementapparatus includes the protective member having a periphery and foursides and four corners, at least one spring connected to one of the fourcorners of the protective member, and at least one spring connected toone of the vehicles; such a protector wherein the movement apparatusincludes the protective member having a periphery and four sides andfour corners, a cable movably disposed through a channel formed aroundthe periphery of the protective member, the cable having exposedportions at each of the four corners of the protective member, twopulleys spaced apart and connected to a first vehicle, the cable movableon the pulleys, and two springs spaced apart and movably connected tothe cable and connected to a second vehicle interconnected to the firstvehicle, the cable movable with respect to the springs; such a protectorwherein the at least one spring includes a first spring and a secondspring, the first spring connected to a first end of the protectivemember and to a first vehicle of the two adjacent vehicles and thesecond spring connected to a second end of the protective member spacedapart from and opposite the first end of the protective member, and thesecond spring connected to an end of the second vehicle spaced apartfrom the end of the first vehicle; such a protector with a stiffenermember secured to the first end of the protective member and the firstspring connected to the stiffener member. In one aspect a protector isdisclosed for positioning in a space between two adjacent vehicles, onevehicle in front of and connected to the other, the protector having aprotective member configured to fit into the space between the twovehicles, movement means connected to the protective member foraccommodating relative movement between the two vehicles, the protectivemember having at least one hole therethrough to inhibit sailing of theprotective member, the protective member having a periphery and foursides and four corners, a cable movably disposed through a channelformed around at least a portion of the periphery of the protectivemember, the cable having exposed portions at at least one of the fourcorners of the protective member, a pulley connected to a first vehicle,the cable movable on the pulley, and a spring and movably connected tothe cable and connected to a second vehicle interconnected to the firstvehicle, the cable movable with respect to the spring. In another aspecta protector is disclosed for positioning in a space between two vehiclesincluding a first vehicle towing a second vehicle, the protector havinga central protective portion configured to fit into the space betweenthe two vehicles, a first vehicle protective portion connected at oneend to the central protective portion and at another end connectible tothe first vehicle, a second vehicle protective portion connected at oneend to the central protective portion and at another end connectible tothe second vehicle, and movement apparatus associated with the protectorfor accommodating relative movement between the two vehicles.

It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred embodiments ofthe present invention to provide:

New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious protector for positioningbetween two vehicles; in one aspect to protect a towed vehicle and inanother aspect to protect a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle;

Such a protector which accommodates relative movement between twovehicles;

Such a protector which is attached with either one or more pulleysand/or one or more springs to the first vehicle, the second vehicle, orboth;

Such a protector made of one or more flexible and/or elastic portions orpieces;

Such a protector made of cloth, canvas, screen, fencing, foil, metalsheet, fabric, nylon, fiberglass or a combination of such materials orwith different portions or pieces made of different materials;

Such a protector including a first vehicle protective member coveringand/or protecting part of a first vehicle and a second vehicleprotective member for covering and/or protecting part of a secondvehicle positioned behind the first vehicle;

Such a protector with one or more holes, slits and/or slots to promotemoisture drainage and inhibit sailing of the protector, to provideaccess through it, and/or to accommodate devices, items, or membersprotruding from a vehicle, a tow apparatus, or a jack or otherapparatus;

Such a protector with a movable flap over any such hole, slit, or slot;

Such a protector with a second vehicle protective member with a cut-outportion to permit air to flow to a radiator of the second vehicle; sucha protector with screening or mesh over the cut-out portion; and

Such a protector formed of a plurality of interconnected pieces; such aprotector in which the pieces are made of different material; such aprotector in which the pieces are easily removed and replaced; such aprotector which is custom assembled to fit any desired size, space orconfigured space; and such a protector including elastic or springmembers between two or more of the pieces.

Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any particularindividual feature disclosed here, but include combinations of themdistinguished from the prior art in their structures and functions.Features of the invention have been broadly described so that thedetailed descriptions that follow may be better understood, and in orderthat the contributions of this invention to the arts may be betterappreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the inventiondescribed below and which may be included in the subject matter of theclaims to this invention. Those skilled in the art who have the benefitof this invention, its teachings, and suggestions will appreciate thatthe conceptions of this disclosure may be used as a creative basis fordesigning other structures, methods and systems for carrying out andpracticing the present invention. The claims of this invention are to beread to include any legally equivalent devices or methods which do notdepart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present invention recognizes and addresses the previously-mentionedproblems and long-felt needs and provides a solution to those problemsand a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possibleembodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art who hasthe benefits of this invention's realizations, teachings, disclosures,and suggestions, other purposes and advantages will be appreciated fromthe following description of preferred embodiments, given for thepurpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to thwartthis patent's object to claim this invention no matter how others maylater disguise it by variations in form or additions of furtherimprovements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of embodiments of the invention brieflysummarized above may be had by references to the embodiments which areshown in the drawings which form a part of this specification. Thesedrawings illustrate certain preferred embodiments and are not to be usedto improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have otherequally effective or legally equivalent embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a top view of a vehicle protector according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the protector of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a front view of the protector of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a rear view of the protector of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a view of a first side of the protector of FIG. 1A; and

FIG. 1F is a view of a second side of the protector of FIG. 1A oppositethe first side.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is an end view of the protector of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is an end view of the protector of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a side view of the protector of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E is a side view of the protector of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F is a bottom view of the protector of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a protector according to the presentinvention between two vehicles.

FIG. 13 is like FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a vehicle protector according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 15A-15D are top views that illustrate a variety of ways to connecta protector end to a vehicle.

FIGS. 16A-16F show a protector according to the present invention.

FIG. 16A is a top view;

FIG. 16B a bottom view;

FIG. 16C an end view;

FIG. 16D an end view;

FIG. 16E a side view; and

FIG. 16F a side view.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS PREFERRED AT THE TIME OF FILING FOR THISPATENT

FIGS. 1A-1F show a protector 10 according to the present invention whichincludes a substantially flat flexible body member 12 (made e.g., butnot limited to flexible plastic sheeting, nylon, or canvas) with cut-outcorners--corners 14, 16 at an end 15 and corners 18, 19 at an end 17.Elastic members 20 sewn on from one end of the body member 12 to theother enhance strength and flexibility and allow for expansion andcontraction to cover different size inter-vehicle spaces and toaccommodate movement of one vehicle with respect to the other.

A channel 22 is formed around three sides of the periphery of the bodymember 12 by an overlapped portion of the body member sewn to itself.Wires, ropes, or cables 13, 15, 19 pass through the channels 22, withportions exposed at each of the corners 14, 16, 18, 19. The cable 30moves over two pulleys 32 and 34 at one end of the body member 12 whichare connected with eyebolts 31 and 33 to a first vehicle (not shown).The other end of the body member 12 is connected to another vehicle (notshown) by springs 36 and 38 connected to the cable 30. In certainembodiments only one spring is used. This system of pulleys and springsaccommodates relative movement of the two vehicles, preventing damage tothe protector 10 and to the vehicles, e.g. during turning.

A cut out slot 39 provides a passageway through the body member 12 for aprotruding part of a device, e.g. a tow bar or jack, situated betweenthe two vehicles. Such a slot also inhibits sailing of the body member12. A flap 35 movably connected to the body member 12 (e.g. with velcro™material or sewn along one end of side) selectively covers the slot. Aconnector 41 is disposed between the pulley 32 and the eyebolt 31; and aconnector 42 is disposed between the pulley 34 and the eyebolt 33. Aspring may replace or be used with the connectors 41 and 42.

FIGS. 2A-2G show a protector 50 according to the present invention whichhas a body member 55 with four sides 51, 52, 53, and 54 and four corners61, 62, 63, 64 each with a hole 65 therethrough. The body member 55 maybe rigid and connected to vehicles with suitable cable or rope andspring combinations with the cable or rope passing through the holes 65;or a single unitary cable passing through the holes 65 and alternatingon sides of the body member 55 may be used with pulleys or springs orboth (e.g. as with the protector 10). The body member 55 may also bemade of any suitable flexible material.

FIG. 3 shows a protector 250 according to the present invention with abody 252, an end 254, an end 256, and a fireproof portion 258. A rope260 is tied through a hole 262 with its free end for attachment to afirst vehicle. A rope 264 is tied through a hole 266 with its free endfor attachment to a second vehicle. Stiftener strips 268 and 269 aresecured to each end of the body 252 (or rods may be used as in FIG. 7).

FIG. 4 shows a protector 70 according to the present invention which hasa plurality of interconnected members 72, 74, 76, and 78 which arepreferably, interconnected by elastic bands or springs 75. Holes 77provide for connection of ends of the protector 70 to two adjacentvehicles. Any of the interconnected members may be made of flexiblematerial or of solid material.

FIG. 5 shows a protector 80 like the protector 70, but with fewerinterconnected members (like numerals denote like parts).

FIG. 6 shows a protector 90 according to the present invention which hasinterconnected members 91, 92, 93, and 94. Unlike the protectors 70 and80, there are no open spaces between the interconnected members. Strips95, 96, and 97 are sealingly secured between the various interconnectedmembers. In one aspect the strips are rigid as are the interconnectedmembers. In one aspect the strips are made of flexible material and theinterconnecter members are rigid, thus the strips provide flexibilitybetween members. In one aspect both the strips and the interconnectedmembers are flexible. As with the protectors 70 and 80, any of theinterconnected members in the protector 90 may be made of metal,fiberglass or some other fireproof material and may be positioned toencounter the hot exhaust from one of two adjacent interconnectedvehicles between which the protector is positioned.

FIG. 7 shows a protector 100 according to the present invention with abody member 102 with a first end 104 and a second end 106. A rigid rod112 is secured to the end 104, e.g. by passing through a channel 114formed by or through the end 104. A rope or cable 116 is connected tothe ends of the rod 112 and a spring 118 is connected to the cable 116.The spring 118 is connected to a vehicle (not shown). A rod 122 at theend 106 passing through a channel 119 is connected to another vehicle(not shown) by rope or cable and/or with pulleys and/or springs (as forthe protector 10) or with a cable and spring like the cable 116 and thespring 118. A hole 124 through the body member 102 is selectively closedoff by a flap 123 which is movably secured to the body member 102 byconnectors 125 and releasable straps 126. Velcro™ material 121, 127,128, and 129 is used with the straps 126 (material 127 on the bodymember 102; material 128 on top of the straps 126; material 121 on thebottom of the straps 126; and material 120 on the body member 102beneath the straps 126).

FIG. 8 shows a protector 130 according to the present invention with abody member 132 made of metal grid material with a multiplicity ofopenings 134 therethrough. A frame 135 with interconnected sides 136,137, 138, 139 encompasses the body member 132 which is secured to theframe 135. Springs 131 are used to connect the protector 130 tovehicles. The openings 134 may be of any desired size and shape.

FIG. 9 illustrates a protector 150 according to the present inventionwhich has three interconnected body members 151, 152, and 153interconnected with cable, wire, rods or ropes 154 so there is openspace between the body members. As shown each body member is made with alower metal grid 155 and an upper screen 156. Some or all the screensmay be fused, bonded, or welded to the metal grid, or only the peripheryof the screens may be bonded around the edge of the metal grid. Thescreen may be of any desired mesh size opening and openings 157 in themetal grid may be of any desired size.

FIG. 10 shows a protector 160 like the protector 150 (like numeralsindicate like parts) but with intermediate members 162 connected betweenthe body members. In one aspect the intermediate members 162 areflexible to permit flexibility between the body members. In anotheraspect the intermediate members are rigid. The protectors 150 and 160may have suitable holes or channels for connection apparatus asdescribed above for other protectors according to this invention.

FIG. 11 shows a protector 200 according to this invention which may belike any protector previously described herein. The protector 200 has acentral protective member 202. A first vehicle protector 210 may be anydesired size shape and configuration for protecting part of a firstvehicle. The first vehicle protector 210 is formed integrally of orsecured to the central protective member 202. For example (and withoutlimitation), the first vehicle protector 210 may be a rectangular sheetof canvas or thick plastic securable over the back end of a prime moversuch as a truck or automobile. A second vehicle protector 220 is securedto or formed integrally of an end of the central protective member 202opposite the end with the first vehicle protector 210. The secondvehicle protector 220 may be sized, shaped and configured to cover onlythe very front portion of a second vehicle (e.g. a vehicle towed by theprime mover) or it may be large enough to cover the hood or hood andwindshield of a towed vehicle--or even substantially all of the towedvehicle.

FIG. 12 shows a protector 300 according to the present invention, likeany protector described herein, positioned and interconnected between aprime mover vehicle, a truck 302 and a second towed vehicle, a trailer304. The protector 300 may drape over the trailer hitch 307 and the jack308, as shown, or pockets may be formed in the protector 300 to receiveand cover these items. Alternatively holes may be used in the protectorthrough which the items project.

FIG. 13 shows a protector 320 according to the present invention, likethe protector 200, positioned and interconnected between a truck 327 anda towed trailer 328. The protector 320 has a central protective member322 (like the central protective member 202, FIG. 11); a towed vehicleprotector 330 (like the first vehicle protector 210, FIG. 11); and asecond vehicle protector 332 (like the second vehicle protector 220,FIG. 11). The protector 320 may be formed of flexible material toaccommodate relative movement of the vehicles; or only the centralprotective member 322 may be formed of flexible material. Also thevarious parts (322, 330, 332) may be interconnected by springs or byflexible strips. The central protective member 322 has a pocket 324 forthe hitch 307 and a pocket 325 for the jack 308.

FIG. 14 shows a protector 400 according to the present invention with abody 402, sides 404, 406, and ends 408, 410. The end 408 is connected toa prime mover, a motorhome 412; and the end 410 is connected to anautomobile 414 towed behind the motorhome 412 with a typical towbar 414.The body 402 is made of flexible material, e.g. but not limited toripstock nylon material, with two lines of elastic material 416 sewedfrom one end 408 to the other end 410. The material is also bunched upbetween the ends and between the sides. The end 410 is secured to a bar418 which is secured to the automobile 414 at such a point underneaththe body of the automobile that the front lights are protected by theprotector 400. A part of a hitch connected to the rear of the motorhome412 projects through a hole 420 in the body 402 so the towbar can bepositioned above the body 402.

FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate a variety of ways to connect an end of aprotector to a vehicle. FIG. 15A shows a protector 430 with a Velcro™strip 431 for connection to such material on a vehicle. FIG. 15B shows aprotector 434 with a plurality of pieces of Velcro™ material 436. FIG.15C shows a protector 438 with a strip of magnets or magnetic tape 440.FIG. 15D shows a protector 442 with a series of holes 444 which areusable with corresponding buttons or hooks on a vehicle. "Bungee" cordsmay also be used with the holes 444. It is within the scope of thisinvention to use any suitable apparatus or system to connect a protectorend to a vehicle end or side, including but not limited to,semi-permanent screws or bolts, chain, wire, zippers, snaps, or rope.

FIGS. 16A-16F show a protector 500 according to the present inventionwith a body 502, sides 504, 506 and ends 508, 510. A fabric pocket orchannel 512 on the body 502 facilitates connection of the end 508 to aprime mover and insures that a portion 513 is held against the primemover. Rope, wire, or cable 514 is movably disposed through the channel512 and is connected to the prime mover as previously described. A hole516 covered by a flap 518 accommodates a device such as part of a towbar. Belt loops 520 may be used to receive a belt or rope for supportingthe body 502. Elastic pieces of material 522 accommodate relativemovement of two vehicles between which the protector 500 is used andautomatically adjust the distance between the ends 508 and 510. Insteadof the cable 514 a series of buttons, hooks, or snaps may be used. Anyconnection apparatus disclosed herein may be used to connect theprotector 500 to a vehicle.

In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present invention and theembodiments disclosed herein and those covered by the appended claimsare well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends setforth. Certain changes can be made in the subject matter withoutdeparting from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It isrealized that changes are possible within the scope of this inventionand it is further intended that each element or step recited in any ofthe following claims is to be understood as referring to all equivalentelements or steps. The following claims are intended to cover theinvention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form it may beutilized. The invention claimed herein is new and novel in accordancewith 35 U.S.C. § 102 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in §102. The invention claimed herein is not obvious in accordance with 35U.S.C. § 103 and satisfies the conditions for patentability in § 103.This specification and the claims that follow are in accordance with allof the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protector for positioning in a space betweentwo vehicles, the two vehicles including a first vehicle in front of asecond vehicle, the protector comprising:a protective member configuredto fit into and to substantially fill the space between the twovehicles, movement means connected to the protective member foraccommodating relative movement between the two vehicles, wherein theprotective member has two spaced-apart ends and said movement meansincluding at least one elastic connector connecting at least one end ofthe protective member to one of the vehicles.
 2. The protector of claim1wherein the at least one elastic connector is a bungee cord.